Canadiens’ Weekly Prospects Update

By Chris Boucher

January 17th, 2002

Ron Hainsey -D (Drafted-00(1/13))

Hainsey managed 4 points through 5 games since our last update. He’s currently on a 3-game point-scoring streak, and has 4 points over the same span. Overall, the 6’3″, 200-lbs defenseman has played 28 games. He has 17 points (6-11-17), and is +4 with 12 minutes in penalties. Four of his goals were scored on the powerplay, and he’s directed 56 shots on goal. The 20-year old rookie will play for Team PlanetUSA during the upcoming AHL all-star game.

Mathieu Garon -G (Drafted-96(2/44))

Garon recorded a 2-1-2 record through 5 games since our last update. Wednesday’s game against Portland was Garon’s 16th straight start. Overall, the 6’2″, 192-lbs goalie has played 23 AHL games. He has an 11-4-7 record with 2.70 GAA, and a .918 save percentage.

Eric Chouinard -F (Drafted-98(1/16))

Chouinard was shutout through 1 game since our last update. He returned to action on January 16th, after missing 9 straight games with a shoulder injury. Overall, the 6’3″, 207-lbs left winger has played 31 games. He has 26 points (11-15-26), and is -1 with 10 minutes in penalties. Surprisingly, he has only one powerplay goal; which actually speaks volumes for Chouinard’s 5-on-5 play this season. He’s also directed 94 shots on goal, and was leading the team in this category prior the shoulder injury.

Francois Beauchemin -D (Drafted-98(3/75))

Beauchemin was shutout through 5 games since our last update. The natural defenseman has been forced to play up front during recent games due to a shortage of healthy forwards. Overall, the 6’0″, 201-lbs defenseman has played 24 games. He has 5 points (3-2-5), and is -6 with 20 minutes in penalties. Beauchemin has also played 7 ECHL games with Mississippi. He has 4 points (1-3-4), and is -1 with 2 minutes in penalties. He’s directed 13 shots on goal.

Marc-Andre Thinel -F (Drafted-99(5/145))

Thinel was shutout through 5 games since our last update. He has only 1 point in his last 34 games. Thinel has played well defensively, but could benefit from the increased ice time he would see playing in the ECHL with Mississippi; a temporary demotion could be in the cards for the 20-year-old. That said, the Citadelles’ current lack of forwards might make any demotion logistically impossible. Overall, the 5’10”, 178-lbs winger has played 42 games. He has 5 points (2-3-5), and is +1 with 6 minutes in penalties. He also has 20 shots on goal.

Mathieu Descoteaux -D (Drafted-96(1/19) Edmonton)

Descoteaux managed 1 goal through 5 games since our last update. Overall, the 6’4′, 208-lbs defenseman has played 41 games. He has 15 points (6-9-15), and is -7 with 26 minutes in penalties. All 6 of his goals were scored on the powerplay, and he has 86 shots on goal.

Vadim Tarasov -G (Drafted-99(7/196))

Tarasov continues to suffer from a groin injury. He was supposed to be reevaluated in early January, but there’s still no word on a possible return date. He remains in Montréal, where he’s undergoing treatment for the injury. Overall, the 5’11”, 187-lbs goalie has played 3 AHL games. He is 2-0-1 with a 2.28 GAA, and a .926 save percentage.

Jason Ward -F (Drafted-97(1/11))

Ward managed 3 points through 5 games since our last update. He’s among the team leaders in penalty minutes, and continues to play a strong physical game while also contributing offensively. Overall, the 6’3″, 193-lbs winger has played 43 games. He has 33 points (11-22-33), and is -6 with 114 minutes in penalties. Four of his goals were scored on the powerplay, while another was scored shorthanded. He’s directed a team-high 112 shots on goal.

Marcel Hossa -C/W (Drafted-00(1/16))

Hossa was promoted to Montréal on January 10th. He scored a goal in each of his first 2 NHL games. Unfortunately, he suffered a wrist injury during a January 14th game against Philadelphia, and is currently listed as day-to-day. Prior to being promoted the 20-year-old was 6th in scoring among AHL rookies. Overall, the 6’2″, 211-lbs winger has played 39 AHL games. He has 28 points (14-14-28), and is +3 with 18 minutes in penalties. He’s also directed 100 shots on goal, while 4 of his 14 goals were scored on the powerplay.

Martti Jarventie -D (Drafted-01(4/109))

Jarventie managed 1 assist through 4 games since our last update. Overall, the 5’11”, 185-lbs defenseman has played 36 games. He has 15 points (5-10-15), and is -13 with 8 minutes in penalties. He’s also directed 67 shots on goal.

Timo Vertala -W (Drafted-96(5/181))

Vertala is currently unable to play because of an ankle sprain. Overall, the 6’1″, 180-lbs. winger has played 24 games. He has 5 points (4-1-5), and is -5 with 12 minutes in penalties. He’s managed 30 shots on goal. One of his goals was scored on the powerplay, while 2 others were scored shorthanded.

Michael Ryder -W (Drafted-98(8/216))

Ryder was promoted to Québec from Mississippi on January 10th, and has managed 3 points through 4 games since his return. Overall, the 6’1″, 195-lbs winger has played 17 AHL games. He has 7 points (3-4-7), and is +5 with 2 minutes in penalties. He’s also directed 23 shots on goal. Through 19 games with Mississippi the Newfoundlander has 25 points (13-12-25), and is -1 with 2 minutes in penalties. Two of his goals were scored on the powerplay, while 2 others were scored shorthanded.

Jerome Marois -LW (Drafted-99(9/253))

Jerome Marois was shutout through 4 games since our last update. The 21-year old Marois has played 7 AHL games. He has no points, and has 2 penalty minutes to go along with an even plus/minus rating. The 6’0″, 192-lbs winger has also played 19 ECHL games. He has 9 points (6-3-9), and is minus-12 with 33 shots on goal.

Hab you Heard?

Niklas Anger, the Habs’ 5th round pick in ’95 has scored 12 points through his last 7 games. The 24 year-old right winger has vaulted into first place among AIK scorers, and is now 17th overall among Swedish Elite League point producers. He has 29 points (10-19-29) through 40 games, and is -15 with 10 minutes in penalties. Anger is statistically the Habs’ most improved prospect, as he’s improved his offensive numbers by 0.425 points per game this season.

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Current stats up to and including games played January 16th, 2001.

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**RECENTLY UPDATED****Click on the Canadiens’ logo at the top left of the page to see a listing of the Habs’ top prospects. Including biographical information, up-to-date stats, and game by game statistical reviews on selected top prospects. (more coming soon)

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